NYCFC defeats Charlotte 3-1 to progress in MLS Cup playoffs

Nicolas Fernandez netted a brace while Alonso Martinez contributed one more to drive New York City past Charlotte FC with a 3-1 victory on Friday securing their spot in the Eastern Conference semi finals of the MLS Cup playoffs.

NYCFC who claimed their sole MLS title in 2021 triumphed in the best of three initial round series by a 2-1 margin and now face a single match encounter against the Eastern Conferences top seeded Philadelphia Union.

NYCFC took the first leg 1-0 but Charlotte levelled the series with a goalless draw decided by penalty kicks paving the way for the decisive finale in Charlotte.

Charlotte who pipped NYCFC for the fourth position and home advantage in the series recorded an impressive 13 home wins during the regular season yet faltered at the crucial juncture.

Fernandez broke the deadlock in the second minute of first half added time.

The 25 year old Argentine midfielder intercepted the ball in the NYCFC half surged forward and unleashed a right footed strike from the right edge of the penalty area into the top left corner.

Costa Rican forward Martinez who scored 17 times in 29 MLS regular season appearances extended New Yorks advantage in the 50th minute via a left footed effort into the bottom right corner.

Charlotte mounted a comeback when Israeli forward Idan Toklomati found the net in the 81st minute with a powerful right footed shot from central inside the box.

However Fernandez sealed the win for New York with a decisive strike in the 10th minute of second half added time ensuring victory as the away side endured 15 minutes of stoppage before the whistle blew.